1
a
: a bright or shining condition : brightness
b
: a subdued glitter approaching but short of optical reflection
c
: a lustrous surface imparted to textiles through finishing processes or use of shiny yarns
2
: a textile exhibiting notable sheen
Synonyms of sheen
Examples of sheen in a Sentence
Noun
Her hair has a sheen to it.
polished the metal until it had an even sheen
Recent Examples on the Web
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2026
The Cicy Bell Midi Skirt stands out with its fluid silhouette and subtle sheen, while details like lace trim elevate it even further.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2026
Taylor Jean Stephan, Allure, 14 Apr. 2026
There’s a painterly look to the image, rather than the typical slop-style sickly sheen, but the AI origins are still unmistakable.
—Cath Virginia, The Verge, 11 Apr. 2026
Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 6 May 2026
The pieces of poultry are charred and lacquered to an almost midnight-black sheen.
—Restaurant Critic, Houston Chronicle, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sheen
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
Choose watermelons with a natural sheen, vibrant color, a creamy yellow spot, and a hollow sound when tapped.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2026
The Cicy Bell Midi Skirt stands out with its fluid silhouette and subtle sheen, while details like lace trim elevate it even further.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
Algae extract delivers a concentrated dose of minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, and B-vitamins restore body, sheen, and texture to strands dulled by damage.
—Taylor Jean Stephan, Allure, 14 Apr. 2026
There’s a painterly look to the image, rather than the typical slop-style sickly sheen, but the AI origins are still unmistakable.
—Cath Virginia, The Verge, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
The leak was discovered by staff on the base who saw a visible sheen and smelled fuel coming from Piscataway Creek, officials said.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 6 May 2026
The pieces of poultry are charred and lacquered to an almost midnight-black sheen.
—Restaurant Critic, Houston Chronicle, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sheen
Cite this Entry
“Sheen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheen. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
